Suspension Advice of my 914-Sixer Options

[shoguneagle]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) Well, here goes on seeking advice and comments on another item I need to possibly change. I just ran my car around for the past two days and it seems I have built a perfect racing suspension which is not ver good for the road. At my age I would like an excellent handling road car. The suspension I have does not allow any movement in it and when I do hit the "frozen ice cracks in the asphalt" it does transmit the bump through out the car. I even put about 100# weight in the front to equalize and see if it would cause the suspension to have some movement. Boy, do I have an excellent race suspension.

What do I have????

The front consists of a completely rebuilt/new suspension components including rack and pinion, 21mm after market sway bar, 22mm torsion bars, koni inserts red set on light suspension, etc. The suspension I have just listed causes the front end to move when going over a rough surface and appears to move around on me.

The rear suspension consists of rebuilt/new components including 180# springs on adjustable perches, Koni Red adjustables set to lightest, etc.

The front and rear suspensions are mounted on Elephant Racing Bronze inserts with zert fittings, new hardware bolts, new ball joints, etc.

Where I need comments and information is regarding any possible changes involves the front torsion bars and the rear springs.. Any comments/advice regarding the rest of the suspension that may need changing would be appreciated.

I am thinking of changing the front suspension to 19mm stock originals to lighten the stiffness and possibly give more movement in the front end. The rear would be changed to 140# springs with the rest of the suspension remaining as built. I could possibly go to the 100# springs if deemed necessary.

I need to find out where I can source any parts needed such as the torsion bars and springs. I may have original 911 front stock torsion bars and 914 rear stock springs in my parts bin.

Do you think I should return everything back to original suspension???

Car is powered with 3.2 1987 Carrera Sixer with a "Doc Evil Built and Blessed" 901 transaxle.

Need advice/comments. What do you think????

Thanks,
Steve

[shoguneagle]

I think if you are building a road car you will find suspension items close to or similar to the ones we have discussed. The suspension system as I mentioned is one I built when building a very early V-8 car and I liked it for that purpose. It handled the higher center of gravity and still felt like the car was still with you. In that body I had good body flex, in this car I do not have any body flex. To get more movement in the suspension items I knew I had to change torsion bars and springs, possibly the front sway bar. I did some rough engineering calculations and came up with what our friends have suggested. As I mentioned there are several cars around running somewhat this same change suggestions and enjoy for road and some racing.

I could not find what the setup was for the original Sixers but they are probably somewhere in the area of what has been suggested here. Eric's recent new completed ride justifies an excellent example for making these changes. Racing is one thing, and road driving is another; somewhere it is nice to blend the two together to get the best of both worlds.

Funny part is that I do prefer Bilstein shocks which I have used to great success on several Alfa Romeos' I have owned. I enjoyed them in spirited road driving and then some. The Koni's are fine for the 914 and these I have set on the lightest setting for all four corners.

Look at the advice given here, see what the original setup is for 914-6, and ask different people about what you need to accomplish your driving goals.

Have fund and do make inquiries before making purchases. Be sure and happy in your mind before purchasing. You can see I am using a system I used earlier and assumed it would meet the same needs that I had 20 plus years ago. Now I have to make the changes which this particular car is telling me it needs to meet my present and future driving demands.

Use this thread to explore and determine what equipment will be needed for you and your car. Information may help others doing builds and save unnecessary costs.

Good luck and have fund in doing your build.

Steve